Apr., I Q I j
T H E J 0 CR N A L 0 F I S D CS T R I A L A N D E i Y G I X E E R I N G C H E M I S T R Y
pollution of a hitherto unpolluted or slightly polluted area, following the location, for example, of new intercepting lines and discharge points. The essential elements of the specific and the general solution are as follows: Determination of the extent of pollution a t a given point, measured in terms of the new sewage chemistry which deals with oxygen relations, and of the degree of self-purification and amount of residual oxygen a t some lower point, together with temperature and hydraulic data, furnish the basic facts. The oxygen requirement and rate of oxygen depletion are then known. The condition of the lower station in the same terms is calculable. The actual condition compared with the calculated gives the re-aeration factor for the stretch. This must be determined for the same stretch over a considerable period of time in order properly to include the variations in hydraulic conditions. In particular the re-aeration is a function of depth, velocity of flow and degree of turbulence. Similar data may be obtained a t the same time over other typical stretches and the relation of the re-aeration factor to other physical and hydraulic conditions noted. From such a comprehensive study there will be obtained eventually the necessary data for the determination of the re-aeration constant of the stream in question under various physical conditions. Then the result of increasing or decreasing pollution, always measured in proper terms of oxygen demand, will be readily calculable. Repetition of the study upon another stream will give similar data for that stream and also permit some study of the effect of stream type upon re-aeration. With accumulating data of this sort it is not unreasonable to anticipate that the fundamental constants will ultimately be derived with which the capacity of any stream to receive and dispose of seMage within stated nuisance limits may be determined in advance. Such constants will furnish the only rational basis upon which to estimate the effect of increasing or decreasing pollution, or the degree of purification necessary or desirable in any case. As these matters have been shown to be of primary importance in any application of the principle of conservation to streams, the importance of work of this character is obvious. In the foregoing discussion it will be noted that 110 reference has been made to either of two distinct phases of the pollution problem, the matter of dangerous bacteria and that of sludge deposits. Both are separate and distinct problems capable of solution independently of the problem of oxygen supply and leading to nuisance of distinct character. The presence or absence of these factors does not influence the methods or conclusions of this discussion, although the matter of deposits does enter the analytical problem.
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TURBULENCE OF STREAMS A FACTOR
An important conclusion of this discussion will be touched upon briefly in passing. Re-aeration is conditioned among other things by the degree of turbulence of the stream. I n quiescent water a diffusion gradient is established which practically stops re-aeration. The effect of dams and rapids in increasing aeration is not so much dependent upon the momentary exposure of the water but is largely due to the mixing action whereby the diffusion gradient is broken up and re-aeration permitted to proceed. In artificial canals turbulence is avoided as largely as possible. The effect of a single dam upon de-aerated water has already been show-n t o be equivalent to a large increase in initial dilution. Where dilution is for any reason limited, the capacity of sluggish and non-turbulent streams can be greatly augmented by providing for artificial turbulence a t certain points in their course. Such turbulence need not be of the character of a fall, nor need it cause a loss of head. A number of mere overturns or “boils” will be found more efficient than a single large fall. The determination of the re-aeration coefficient of a stream has been undertaken for the first time in connection with the investigation of the Ohio River now being made by the C. S. Public dealth Service under the direction of P. A. Surgeon Wade H . Frost. The actual analytical problem is exceedingly complex and the mathematical reduction and analysis of the results is both complicated and laborious. The work has progressed to a point a t which i t is obvious that results of value and consistent with the theory here stated have been obtained. SUMMARY
In the development of the maximum economic use of a stream, its capacity t o dispose of sewage and waste within any specified degree of depreciation or nuisance is a factor of first importance. This capacity is limited by stream conditions and is a function of the capacity for re-aeration. For this reason the dilution unit is an improper one for a discussion of nuisance and self-purification and results obtained upon one stream, expressed in such units, are not applicable to another. Re-aeration is capable of experimental determination not only in single instances, but in terms of general applicability. I t s determination in such general terms involves laborious work of a hydraulic and analytical nature. A beginning has been made along this line in the Ohio River Investigation by the U. S. Public Health Service. 25TH A N D E STREETS WASHINGTOS, D. C.
I
CURRENT INDUSTRIAL NEWS
THE GERMAN NITROGEN INDUSTRY AND THE FUTURE OF GERMAN AGRICULTURE’ During the last ten years German agriculture has succeeded in increasing the yield of the land to an extraordinary extent, and in this connection a comparison with France is of interest. Thirty years ago the yield per hectare in France was about the same as in Germany. Since then the yield in France has risen about 0.1,whereas Germany has nearly doubled her yield as indicated below: n‘HE.4T YIELD P E R ACREI N 100 KILOS Yearly Average 1881/86 1911/13 Germany.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 2 . 8 22.3 France ...................... 12.0 13.6 R u s s i a . . ..................... ? 6.9
This excellent result is partly due to Farmers’ Associations, Agricultural Schools and the employment of modern methods, 1
Extract from t h e Frankfurter Handelsblalf, M a y 29, 1916.
but chiefly to the ever-increasing quantities of fertilizers used. The following is a comparison of the amounts of fertilizers used per hectare during the last few years: Potash Germany., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 . 0 5 kg. France.. .................... 0 . 8 0 6 kg.
Ritrate of Soda 8.10 kg. 4 . 1 0 kg.
Germany has always been well provided with potash, but up to about I O years ago had to rely almost entirely on imports of nitrate of soda for her nitrogen. The following table shows the increase in the imports of nitrate and in this connection it should be mentioned that ahout I O to 15 per cent of these quantities have been used for industrial purposes. GERMANCONSUXPTION OF S I T R A T E OF SODA (METRICTONS) 1880 55,000
1890 1901 1910 1911 1912 1913 1885 155,000 330,000 517,000 i23,OOO 703,000 785,000 747,000
Gradually, however, the German Chemical Industry has been building up a substitute for nitrate in the form of sulfate of ammonia. At the beginning of this century the production in
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T H E J O U R N A L O F I N D U S T R I A L Ah-D E N G I N E E R I N G C H E M I S T R Y
Germany was still small and imports amounted to about 48,000 tons per annum. Since 1906,however, things have changed and Germany has exported larger quantities than she has imported. The development of our consumption of sulfate of ammonia is shown by the following table : GERMANC O h . S U M P T I O N
AMMONIA(METRICTONS) Excess of Excess of Imports Exports Product Total over over from Coke ConImports Exports Exports Imports Ovens, etc. sumption 1888.. . , , . . 35,000 . . . . 35,000 , .., ? .... 1900 , .. 23,000 2,000 21,000 .... 104,000 125,000 , 58,000 59,000 . . . . . 1,000 281,000 280,000 31,000 93,000 ,.. 62,000 313,000 251,000 191.1. , . . . . 24.000 74,000 . . . . 50,000 418,000 368,000 1913.. .. . . . . 35,000 76,000 . . . . 41,000 501,000 460,000
.. ...... . ... .
O F SULFATE OF
.
..
.. . .
The increase in the use of sulfate of ammonia has, therefore, been extraordinarily rapid. I n the year 1913,460,000 tons of ammonia were used as against j50,ooo tons of nitrate of soda. Taking the manurial value of sulfate compared with nitrate as 4 to 3, the 460,000tons are equal to 610,000tons of nitrate, so that the two competitors were running each other pretty close already in 1913. In 1914synthetic sulfate of ammonia first entered the lists as a competitor of nitrate of soda on a practical scale. Theoretically, the possibility of producing ammonia by purely chemical means had long been known, and the well-known Norwegian method was first of all developed, the German chemical trade being largely interested. The difficulties in introducing this process into Germany on account of the lack of water power forced the Badische Aniline and Soda Works to develop a process of their own. In conjunction with Professor Haber they proceeded to do this, putting all their energy into the Haber process and giving up their Norwegian interests. At the beginning of the war, the Badische were producing on a scale large enough for one single works, but yet not sufficiently large to compensate for the loss of nitrate of soda. I n the first year of the war there was accordingly a considerable shortage of fertilizers for agricultural purposes. But our chemical industry quickly came to the rescue, and should the blockade of Germany be prolonged, we shall soon be in a position to deliver more nitrogen for agricultural purposes than formerly consumed in peace times. The following particulars give an idea of the extraordinary rapidity with which the Haber process has developed. The capacity rose from 30,000 tons in 1913to 60,000tons in 1914, and about the middle of 191jthe output of the original works was about Ijo,ooo tons. For 1916 the production is reckoned a t 300,000 tons. It is no secret that the Badische Company has lately put up further large plants in another part of Germany, so that its producing capacity for 1917will no doubt be considerably in excess of 1916. Assuming that the Haber production in the near future will reach joo,ooo tons, this process alone will represent the production of an amount of nitrogen nearly equal to the amount of nitrate of soda we used to import. In passing, it may be mentioned that such a production a t a price of $60.00 per ton would represent a n annual turnover of 30 million dollars for this one firm. In addition further large quantities of nitrogen have been produced with state aid in the form of cyanamid, with the aid of which German agricultural needs can easily be met. Furthermore the whole tendency in the coal industry has been towards the increase of by-product ovens. Up t o the time when the war broke out, about one-fifth of our coal was coked, but the war has forced resort to coking to a far greater extent than before. Everything points to the conclusion that in the near future the direct combustion of coal will be recognized as altogether uneconomic and disappear, and its place be taken by by-product processes. This of course means increased recovery
Vol. 9, No. 4
of ammonia from coal. Assuming that only double the quantity of coal hitherto used is employed for the recovery of ammonia, the increase in sulfate of ammonia production amounts t o 450,000 tons. Based on the above the following comparison between 1913and 1917can be made: GERMANC O N S U M P T I O N O F SITROGEN, 1913, I N METRICTONS Sulfate of Ammonia. . .. . . . 460 000 tons = 92,000 tons h'itrogen Korwegian Nitrate of Lime.. 35:OOO tons = 4,500 tons Nitrogen 6,000 tons Nitrogen Cyanam 30,000 tons = -4mmoni 20,000 tons = 4,000 tons Nitrogen
. .
-
Total.. , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 500 tons Nitrogen Plus Xitrate of Soda.. . . . . . 750,000 tons = 116:OOO tons Nitrogen
.
-
222,500 tons Nitrogen
XITROGEN,1917, IN METRICTONS Sulfate of Ammonia.. . . . . 700,000 tons = 140,000 tons Nitrogen Sorwegian Kitrate of Lime.. . , , . , tons = , Cyanamid.. . . .. . . . . . . . . . 400,000 tons = 80.000 tons Nitrogen Ammonia-Haber Process.. 500,000 tons = 100,000 tons Nitrogen
. .. Total. , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nitrate of Soda
.
-
320,000 tons Xtrogen None
If these statements are only approximately correct our own production will already next year be greater than our consumption before the war including the amount of nitrate of soda imported. I n case of need, therefore, we can altogether do without the importation of nitrate of soda for agricultural purposes. This does not mean, however, that the import of nitrate of soda is either unnecessary or undesirable. Nitrate will remain very much wanted for certain purposes and agriculture will be glad to make use of it as long as prices remain competitive, especially in view of the amount of German capital invested in the Chili nitrate industry. If our home production of nitrogen can be supplemented by nitrate of soda, so much the better, for our experts are agreed that we cannot give our agriculture enough nitrogen. The dire necessity the war has brought upon us, forcing us to help ourselves in all sorts of ways, has in this respect added a valuable gift for the future in that these new sources of nitrogen will enable us to increase our agricultural production. All sorts of possibilities are involved. It would be thoroughly in keeping with the character and accomplishments of the German Chemical Industry to proceed with the production of combined fertilizers after having successfully solved the problem of the synthetic production of ammonia. These new fertilizers may perhaps some day drive out the old material in the same way that synthetic indigo drove out the natural product. It is not impossible that Germany may become the great exporter of nitrogenous fertilizers. The most important point, however, is the increase in the productivity of our land. The economy of 9,000,000pounds per annum on nitrate of soda imports cannot be compared in importance with the saving in our imports of wheat and foodstuffs which would be effected by means of increased fertilizing. ' FORMATION OF TOLUENE BY ACTION OF ALUMINUM CHLORIDE According to Chem. SOC. Abstracts, F. Fisher and H. Niggemann [Ber., 49 (1916),14751 have studied the conditions for the most productive degradation of xylene t o toluene by the action of aluminum chloride. The best temperature is found to be that of boiling xylene, while z to 4 per cent of aluminum chloride is quite sufficient and z hours long enough for the purpose. Under these circumstances, xylene gives an approximate 1 2 per cent yield of toluene and also benzene and polymethylated benzenes. Benzene is decomposed by the energetic action of aluminum chloride but without producing more than traces of toluene. Experiments with xylene-benzene mixtures have also been carried out with the hope of transferring a methyl group from the one to the other, but this ingenious idea has not yet led t o definite results.-A. MCMILLAN.
Apr.. 1917
T H E J O C R N A L OF I N D U S T R I A L A N D E LVGIN E E RI N G CH E M I S T R Y
STARTING MOTOR ENGINES FROM COLD
A device for starting motor car, aeroplane and similar engines from cold introduced by Messrs. Gunspray, of 39 St. James Street, London, consists of a petrol reservoir into which dips a fuel tube ending in a gauze cap. This tube leads to a spray jet, which is enclosed in a passage through which atmospheric air is supplied. The jet is inserted in the induction pipe of the engine and, under the influence of the suction created by turning the starting handle, is sucked up the fuel tube and atomized a t the jet as it is mixed with air. A control screu7,’which can be locked in position by a locking screw, permits the air supply to be adjusted to form the correct explosive mixture. Combined with the starter, and operated by the same control, is an arrangement which enables extra air to be admitted to the cylinders, and which, it is claimed, effects considerable economy of fuel if judiciously used. The starter acts independently of the carburetor, and, in cases where a heavy fuel such as paraffin is employed, can be used to effect the necessary prewarming of the engine.-AI. MINING IN SWEDEN .lccording to an article in Mining World, gz (19171, j 9 , all the coal obtained in Sweden is got from the provinces of Malmohus and Kristianstad in the southern part of the Kingdom. The seams, which are of Rhaetic age, are interstratified with beds of fire clay and the two minerals are worked together. The thickness of the coal seams, including partings in the shale, varies from 3 t o j feet. Copper is furnished from the wellknown Falu Mine in the province of Kopparberg. There are enormous deposits of excellent iron ore. The output is 6,700,000 metric tons, of which the province of Norrbotten furnishes 63 per cent. Sweden possesses the largest supply of peat in the world with the exception of Russia. It is reckoned that there are 4,000,000 hectares of peat with an average depth of z metres. This may be calculated to yield about 2,000 tons per hectare or a total of 8,000,000,000 tons. The peat is used as household fuel and also for peat-litter and peat-mould. Granite is quarried on the west coast and also on the Baltic and forms a n important article of export. Porphyry and marble are also products, the annual value of the stone exported being $360,000. As regards zinc, the Ammeberg mines supply most of the ore which is exclusively blende.-XI. ZIRKITE Zirkite deposits, according to the Brazilian Review of Dec. 19, 1916, have been found in the Caldas region of Brazil which is a mountainous plateau about 130 miles north of the City of Sao Paulo. Several large outcrops of the ore occur on the extreme westerly edge of the plateau, one or two isolated boulders weighing as much as 30 tons. No extensive development work has yet been attempted, although several cross cuts have been run t o determine the width of the vein and a few shallow prospect holes to ascertain the depth. The cursory examination of the deposits makes it unsafe t o venture any conjecture as to the quantity of ore available. Deposits have been traced for a distance of I j miles between Cascata and Caldas and, from surface indications, the deposits seem to be of vast extent. Owing t o the hardness of the ore, it is almost impossible to drill holes for explosives; consequently, the method employed is the primitive one involving fracture by fire and water. In some of the deposit; the ore occurs as gravel and large pebbles embedded in the reddish clay. The clayey matrix greatly resembles boulder clay and, if exposed to the sun and air, readily dries and the zirconia can then be separated from the clay by a coarse screen. Before shipment, it is thoroughly washed to remove the small percentage of ferruginous matter still remaining.-11.
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BRITISH ENGINEERING IMPORTS AND EXPORTS IYith the Board of Trade returns for December, the figures of our engineering imports and exports for the whole of last year are now complete. The imports of iron and steel and the manufactures thereof in 1916 were valued a t $53,860,929, an increase of $I,993,0jX, as compared with 191j and of $1,6j0,134 as compared with 1914 but the quantity was 775,633 tons as against 1,177,340 tons in 191j, and 1,618,01j in 1914. The figures for electrical goods a t 97,933,262 were higher than 191j by S2,731,392 and than 1914 bv 31,967,966, while machinery valued a t $38,364,177 was less in I 9 I j by $4,105,790, but more than in 1914 by $6,142,182, though its weight was.less than in either of these two years, being 71.456 tons against 90,006 and 88,748 tons, respectively. Other metals and manufactures thereof were worth $186,378,j88 or $Ij,2j7,241 less than in 191j , but $ 4 j , ~ j 7 , 7 9 jmore than in 1914. As regards raw materials, the imports of iron ore were valued a t $j6,288,03j, against $34,388,308 in 1915 and S24,742,891 in 1914 and their weight was 6,90j,936 tons compared with 6,197,155 tons in 1915 and 5,704,748 tons in 1914. The value of other metallic ores rose to $65,672,827 from Sjj,jj6,088 in 191j and $45,760,632 in 1914. As regards the exports of engineering products manufactured in the United Kingdom, increased values were recorded in most classes. Thus, iron and steel and manufactures thereof went up to the value 3272,072,496 from $193,949,740 and $z00,00j,584 for the two preceding years. Other metals and manufactures thereof were valued a t $61,059,148 and showed an increase. Electrical goods and apparatus exported were valued a t $19,714,713, showing an increase over the two previous years, while machinery valued a t $97, I IO, 595 was higher than in 1915, but $j3,432,251 behind 1914. Among raw materials 41,r 57,746 tons of coal, coke and manufactured fuel valued a t $243,218,899 were exported; in 1915 the weight a a s 45,770,344 tons and in 1914 the corresponding figure was 61,830,48j, the value being $202,j70,214 -&I. RUSSIAN WATER POWER
It is reported that the Russian Government has authorized the issue of a bill for the “notification of centers of water-power from waterfalls or stretches of water suitable for supply of such centers of national or public importance.” Up to the present, says the Board of Trade Journal, Russian law has never provided for the utilization of water-power except in the case of ordinary mills. Permits to make use of water-power have been more in the nature of certificates setting forth that the utilization of water-power would not interfere with navigation, than concessions. These certificates were issued only after consulting the local owners of water frontages and thus the utilization of water-power depended entirely on the consent of private owners. The present bill, without making any attempt to decide as to the ownership of water-power, proposes to empower the Government to declare any waterfall or stretch of water capable of being used as a source of water-power as being of national importance, and to take possession, either for government use, or with a view to granting concessions for its use in industries which i t is desirable to foster.-M. CINNABAR AND MERCURY FROM NEW ZEALAND
It is reported that H. &I. Commissioner in New Zealand has forwarded some samples of cinnabar obtained from a deposit a t Puhi Puhi (North Island) and a sample of mercury distilled therefrom. The deposit has not been worked to any extent as yet, owing to lack of capital and experience. At present, drives are being made to ascertain the extent of the deposit, and, according to a calculation made by the Department of Mines, 10,000 tons of ore are in sight. B t a low estimate the ore is calculated to yield 2 per cent mercury.-hL
*
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Vol. 9, No. 4
CONDENSER-TUBE REPAIRS
CHROMITE
A method of mending condenser tubes is described in a recent issue of the Electrical World, and it is said to have effected considerable saving. The method consists in cutting out the section containing the break and inserting a new one which is joined with the other sections by a n inner sleeve or ferrule about 2l/2 in. long. The latter is composed of a piece of tubing about half as thick as the condenser tube and has a diameter that will make it fit tightly in the sections to be joined. Both the ferrule and the ends of the section to be joined are thoroughly tinned and sweated together. Special care must be taken to cut the ends square so that they will meet and make a practically continuous tube. Any solder adhering i o the outside of the joint should be wiped off or removed by emery cloth SO that the tube can be inserted with tube plates in the regular manner. To save delay in making repairs, usually several ferrules are prepared and tinned in advance.-M.
Crude chromite ore, so important in modern steel metallurgy, 59,has generally to be dressed t o make says Engineer, 123 (1g17), it suitable for sale. It has usually to be broken up by hand or mechanically to a suitable size so that it can be hand-picked. The output should contain about 50 per cent of chromium sesquioxide. Chromite is obtained in large quantities from New Caledonia in the South Pacific. There is a large output from Rhodesia, and Greece exports chromiferous ores in considerable quantities. There are large deposits of low-grade ore in both Germany and Austria. Great Britain and France have t o import all the chromite they require. North America has a small output, about 2000 tons annually, but has also to import. There are many chromite mines in the Ural district, mainly along the outcrops of the rivers Kameuka and Top Kaja, which have yielded as much as 20,ooo to 30,000 tons annually. The mineral is also found in some of the areas from which platinum is recovered. I n Japan, outcrops have been found but there is no output as the quantities available appear t o be too limited to encourage enterprise.--M.
INDIAN SAFFLOWER OILSEEDS I n a n article in the Indian Trade Journal, Mr. J. P. Gore points out that there are two varieties of Indian SafflowerCarthamus tinctoria and Carthamus oxycantha, the first being cultivated in different parts of India while the latter grows as a weed in the Punjab. The seeds of the former are small and flat, somewhat resembling linseed. They contain 6 per cent moisture and on extraction with ether yield 28.02 per cent of a pale yellow oil. There is also a considerable amount of woody fiber in the seed. The fully extracted meal gave the following analysis : Moisture, 9.30 per cent; albuminoids, 13.50 per cent; carbohydrates, 22.80 per cent; fibrous matter, 51.70; and ash, 3-70 per cent. The oil is described as being a good drying oil and might be used in the manufacture of soft soap. The author considers that this oil is worth more attention for manufacture of varnishes. It is a t present used in the Northwest Frontier Provinces for the manufacture of varnished wax cloth.-M.
A NEW HYDROCARBON A new hydrocarbon, to which the name Spinacidene has been given, was described in a paper read by Mr. R. Chaston Chap.~ man a t a recent meeting of the Chemical Society, London. The author explained that a sample of cod-liver oil submitted to him for analysis gave a value indicating the presence of 89 per cent mineral, with 1 1 per cent of some fish oil, but, owing to the large amount of unsaponifiable matter and bromine absorbed, he determined t o investigate the matter further. The oil was found to have been obtained from the livers of certain members of the sub-family Spinacidae, of the Cetacea, and the product yielded about 90 per cent of the new hydrocarbon. The compound is described as being colorless and mobile, and on warming gave odor of the lemon terpenes. It is optically active and on exposure it becomes viscous. The ultimate analysis seemed to suggest the formula C ~ ~ H and X the molecular refractivity indicated presence of three double bonds.-M.
PLASTIC CELLULOID A simple method for rendering celluloid plastic is described in the British Medical Journal of a recent date, so that it can be molded into any shape for application in the tissues in certain parts of the body for certain conditions. The celluloid is placed in ether solution and, in a few hours, it swells slightly and becomes soft as a jelly. It is then taken out of the solution and molded into any shape and set aside to dry. The celluloid regains its original thickness and general appearance, but retains its new shape. As ether is a powerful bactericide, i t will effectively sterilize the mold and make it ready for insertion.-M.
CALCIUM CARBIDE INDUSTRY According t o the Times Engineering Supplement, No. 507, p. 16, the importations of calcium carbide into the United Kingdom for 1916 were, approximately, 24,000 tons as compared with 26,000 tons in 1915 and about 28,000 tons in 1914. The decrease is not due to any falling off in the consumption, but there seems t o have been a considerable shrinkage in the demands of private users, owing t o the closing down of country houses, etc. This falling off was made up by the extensive demand for carbide in the manufacture of war appliances by means of oxyacetylene welding. A gradual increase in the use of small light miners’ lamps burning acetylene took place in this country during the past year following the lead given by the United States. The employment of these lamps has been shown t o be very advantageous in increasing the output of minerals and providing better illumination. The supplies of cyanamide made .. from carbide greatly decreased during the past year owing t o the large proportion of cyanamide being used for the preparation Of nitrate Of ammonia and nitric acid.--M.
A NEW CELLULOID CEMENT The Oil and Color Trade Journal, 51 (1917)~ 416, quoting from a Swiss contemporary, gives an account of a new and valuable celluloid cement for gluing leather splits together so as t o form solid slabs of plates of leather. As is well known, celluloid solutions possess the drawback of being much too sticky. If a celluloid solution is prepared in acetone or other solvent, it is impossible to obtain a substance of sufficient liquidity with more than 16 to 18 parts by weight per IOO parts by weight of acetone, as, if the proportions of celluloid be increased, then the resulting liquid will not penetrate between the fibres of the material and the parts will not adhere. I n order t o secure a highly liquid solution containing a greater percentage of celluloid, the following process must be observed : Chemically pure acetone, celluloid and oxalic acid are placed in a hermetically closing iron receptacle. The amounts are: acetone 100 kilos, celluloid 20 t o 30 kilos, oxalic acid 0.5 t o z kilos. After hermetically closing the receptacle, the ingredients are thoroughly mixed by suitable stirring gear a t normal temperature. This is continued either incessantly or a t intervals for a period of 12 t o 14 hours. The product obtained can be used a t once or kept for a n indefinite period in the hermetically closed receptacle. This adhesive must correspond t o the absorptive capacity of the material. If too thin, it must be suitably thickened and pressure may be used t o force it into the material, if necessary. It is insolvable in water, it is highly valuable for fastening leather, and will be of special use in driving-belt factories.-M.
9 p r . , 1917
T H E J O l ’ R N A L O F IATDUSTRIAL A N D EXGIATEERING C H E M I S T R Y
METAL POWDERS AND SPANGLES Vigorous efforts, says the Times Engineering Supplement, S o . 506, have been made to capture certain of the industries which once were wholly in German hands, and, even in cases where the trade did not exist before the war, steps have been taken to assist firms who are willing to embark in the new manufacture. It is stated that in 1913 not a single poundof bronze powder was made in I’rance although the annual consumption af imported metallic powders attained a total value of over $2,3o4,000. This was the more remarkable because the industry was first started in France at the close of the 13th century. The restarting of this trade is associated with the manufacture of spangles which has existed in the Department of the Oise since 1850. These spangles are stamped out of extremely thin sheets of metal, chiefly alloys of copper, but a t times silver and gold spangles are produced from very thin leaves of the precious metals. The uses of the different kinds of spangles are too numerous to mention. A very important one, in the case of thin brass spangles, is for the brushes of dynamos, but they are mainly employed in decoration. The fragments, chippings and metallic laminae which result from the manufacture are now being employed successfully for the preparation of various kinds of bronze powders, the tints and shades of which are produced in a wide range of colors. A process has, moreover, been devised for imparting a high polish to the powders thus prepared.--?\I. CHINESE GAMBIER Reports from Hong Kong, says the Oil and Color Trade Journal, 51 (1917), 502, state that an increased trade is now being done in “cunao,” or Chinese Gambier in South China, and the amount of trade passing through Hong Kong runs to about 30,000 short tons per annum. For many generations past, the Chinese have used this product for dye and preservative purposes and, now that aniline dyes have disappeared from the Hong Kong market, this gambier is coming into more general use. The dye is got by crushing and soaking the roots of a plant known as cunao, the resulting liquor being drawn off and concentrated. Two qualities reach Hong Kong. The second-grade quality is the product of Indo-China and is employed for the first dyeing of the material, while the actual Chinese product is used for the finishing dye on account of the deep brown gloss it imparts. The dye is of a brown color, is highly astringent, goes excellently with various mordants and is extensively used in China for dyeing silks, etc. The coarser quality is the chief component of a misture used for fishing nets, sails and the like to prevent them rotting away. It has all the merits of gambier but is much cheaper. It is exported in the form of a paste but is said to lose its finer qualities if kept too long. If properly packed and further concentrated, there seems to be no reason why the product should not keep indefinitely.--bl. DISPOSAL OF WASTE TIN AND SCRAP According to a contemporary, the borough of Hornsey, England, has put down a furnace for dealing with uaste tin and scrap. I t is heated by the destructor flue gases and is arranged in such a way that the work can be carried out without increasing the staff. The results of the first three months justify the experiment as the annual receipts for 194 tons should amount to 203 pounds (3964). I t will be noted that, notwithstanding the difficulty of disposing of waste metal, the destructor yard has been kept clear of accumulation and, it may be said, that the trade has been secured with an increase of about 49 per cent upon the returns received from pre-war German trading and this by a simple process involving no material encroachment upon the yard space or additions t o the working staff and a comparatively nominal capital outlay.-M.
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THE GERMAN LIGNITE INDUSTRY According to a report in Engineering, 103 (1917), 104, the German lignite industry has fared well during the war and better than ever in 1916. This industry has gained considerable importance, notwithstanding the development in coal mining and, although it comprises some 300 installations, these are controlled by comparatively few companies, some of which are large concerns with substantial capital. The shortage in the production of coal since the war broke out, some 2 8 per cent for the first year and about I O per cent for the second year of the war, caused an immense increase in the demand for lignite and, as the following figures show, the production in spite of the shortage of labor was larger in 191j than in 1913: YEAR
.. ... ... ... .. .. ... ... ...
19 13. , . 1914.. 1915..
,,
PRODUCTION IN TONS Briquette
Raw Lignite 87,000,000 84,000,000 88,400,000
21,400,000 21,400,000 23,300,000
The year 1916 is expected to show a further rise. From a financial point of view, the results of the lignite industry during the war have proved satisfactory in spite of increased expenditure. The aggregate profits of the 20 leading lignite concerns show but a slight decline for 1914-1 j , as compared with 1913-14, and in 191j-16 the result surpassed 1913-14. For 1913-14, the average dividend was 10.4 per cent, while for 1915-16 it was 10.8 per cent, and is likely to be higher for the present year. The war seems t o have opened up new markets and lignite has now become a factor of some moment in various chemical industries and deposits of the substance are eagerly sought after. The rises have increased considerably as is shown by the fact that the German Petrol Company which is going in for tar production from lignite, paid 18j per cent for shares in the Rositz Lignite Company, which shares were below par before the war.--N. FLAX-GROWING lNDUSTRY In the January issue of the Times Trade Supplement, the possibility of a revival of the flax-growing industry in Great Britain is the subject of an article by Dr. J. V. Eyre. The writer states that the experience of the last three seasons has shown that highclass flax-crops can be raised in the British Isles, and Belgian experts have declared the crops to be generally equal to those raised in their own country. The main difficulty since war broke out has been to obtain labor a t harvest time t o pull the crop. To meet this difficulty, engineers and others have been engaged for a long time on the design of a machine to effect the pulling satisfactorily and several machines are now under construction or are in the experimental stage in both Canada and Ireland.-21. OILSEED CROPS According to the Chenzicel Trade Journal, 60 (1917), 71, the first forecast of winter oilseeds (rape, mustard, and linseed) crop issued by the Department of Statistics, India, states that the total estimated area under rape and mustard reported up to date is 3,888,000 acres. This is I O per cent above the area a t this time last year. The total area under linseed is estimated a t 2,627,000 acres or 3 per cent below the area for last year. The latest information published by the International Institute of Agriculture, Rome, shows that the estimate of the linseed crop of 1916 in the United States is 1,j90,000 acres and 384,000 tons against 1,366,000 acres and 34j,OOO tons in the preceding year. For the Canadian crop of linseed, the estimates are 723,000 acres and 194,000 tons as against 806,000 acres and 26j,ooo tons in the previous year. From unofficial sources, i t appears that in the Argentine, the condition of the linseed crop is disastrously bad on account of drought and the yield is espected t o be only z jo,ooo tons as compared with 980,000 tons last year. I n Russia, also, the linseed crop is reported to be poor both in quantity and quality.--?\I.
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T H E J O U R N A L OF INDCSTRI.4L i l S D ENGINEERING C H E M I S T R Y BRITISH OIL TRADE IN 1916
The London Chamber of Commerce Review for 1 9 1 6 states that a marked feature during the year under review has been the continued demand for oils of every grade and more particularly the higher grades of lubricating oils. Owing t o increased freights and extra cost of insurance, prices throughout the year maintained a very high level. I n early spring conditions were very stringent, supplies being a t a premium, and even the common oils brought as much as the best oils in normal times, while some grades were almost unobtainable. Easier conditions prevailed later, but towards the end of the year the market again hardened and, a t the time of writing, there is every indication of a rise in prices and a shortage of supplies. It is generally agreed that for some time after the war a return to normal will be impossible. Stocks have been depleted by the abnormal demands and the difficulty of securing freights from the other side of the Atlantic has increased and will not disappear as soon as hostilities cease. The question of future supplies is a t present one of great anxiety to importers. There are no indications of any lessening of the demands by ordinary users from which it may be argued that, during the new year, business will be extremely brisk with high prices ruling all around.-M.
THE EXTRACTION OF SUMACH .4ccording to an article in Leather World, g (191j), 76, when using sumach, it should be remembered that this material is very liable t o loss through faulty extraction. Of all the common tanning materials, sumach is the one in which the tannin is most easily destroyed. This loss or destruction may take place if the sumach is not extracted a t the correct temperature. Many tanners think that, in order to get the whole of the tannin from sumach, it is necessary to boil it, but this is quite wrong as, by boiling the substance, 2 0 to 30 per cent of the tannin may be destroyed. The correct temperature for extraction is between 1 2 0 and 140’ F . ; if the temperature is raised above this, some may be destroyed. The sumach should be mashed with water at this temperature but, after the extraction of the tannin, the solution should not be kept for any length of time before being used. A sumach infusion ferments more quickly than that of any other tanning material and, if allowed to stand for some days, a large proportion of the tannin is lost. Contrast this with mimosa bark, the liquors of which can be kept almost indefinitely without appreciable loss. Sumach should, therefore, not be extracted before i t is required for use. By observing these points, considerable economy in the use of sumach may be exercised. --M .
FRENCH COLOR INDUSTRY
’
The Dyer and Calico Printer says that a long discussion between the chemists and the pharmaceutists in the pages of La Revue des Produits Chimiques reveals the fact t h a t the French artificial color industry is handicapped by ancient enactments, the first of which became law in 1 7 7 j. These date from the time when chemistry was ranked with astrology or even black magic, and the result is that, in the words of our contemporary, the administration officially ignores chemistry and the chemist. The authorities know only the engineer, the physician and the pharmaceutist. If, therefore, a French works wishes to put synthetic medicine on the market, it must “interest a pharmaceutical chemist in the manufacture of these products.” The law seems t o enact that a pharmaceutical chemist shall alone make medicine and must be on the staff of the color works. Certainly, he need not be resident a t the works and may conduct his department from some other town, but he must accept pay for the use of his name. This adds to the cost of production and it is easy to see that it is an unnecessary drawback to the French color industry in its competition with imported products.-14.
V O ~9. , NO.4
CRANE AND HOIST MOTORS The British Thomson-Houston Co., London, have designed a new type of motor for intermittent service, special attention being given t o the need for avoiding breakdowns. The machine is described as being of the totally enclosed reversible series, wound commutating pole type and has been standardized for ratings up to 50 H. P., these ratings being based on continuous operation for 30 minutes a t full load with a temperature rise not exceeding 55’ C. The machines are of the 4-pole type. The magnet frame is of cast steel made in two parts, the top half carrying the brush holders and being provided with lugs to support the assembled motor, while the bottom half has a strong foot drilled for holding-down bolts. The fact that the drillings for the holes can be made a t any place along the feet is an advantage. The armature core and commutator are assembled on a sleeve, a form of construction which permits the removal and insertion of a shaft without the necessity for disturbing the armature windings or the commutator. The armature windings are composed of former wound coils inserted in open slots. A valuable feature is that the shaft extensions are arranged to permit the spur gear of the brake t o be mounted on either end of the shaft. --AI.
A NEW POCKET-LAMP A pocket-lamp without a battery is a recent Hungarian invention. 4 n engineer of Budapest transforms muscular energy into electrical energy producing light. I n shape and intensity of light, i t equals the ordinary torch-lamp. The thumb moves a small lever outside the case, which on being depressed and released, springs back into its original position. This movement is transmitted through a rachet and pawl t o a set of pinion gears which drive a small dynamo, the field of which is fitted with a permanent magnet. It is necessary to keep on moving the lever with the thumb as long as light is required, but the energy stored up in the spring is sufficient to maintain light for a few minutes after the movement of the lever has ceased. When the design is carried out in a heavier form as a hand-lamp, the lever is actuated by squeezing two parallel handles attached t o the case, one of which is fixed and the other movable. The principle, says the English ikfechanic, 105 (1917), 4, might also be applied to other purposes, as to ignition dynamos for blasting.-11.
RUSSIAN PLATINUM MINES Some time ago H. M. Consul a t Ekaterinburg reported that the annual sale by auction of the gold and platinum mines in the Urals was to take place a t the Ekaterinburg Mines Department on February 6 . I n all 600 mines were to be put up for sale, the majority being situated, as is usually the case, in the Orenburg Government. As a rule, these mines are bought up with the idea of reselling them abroad a t an enhanced price. H. M. Consul, however, in a later report, states that the government authorities have decided that, until further notice, all platinum mineral is to be held and sales refrained from, in view of the proposed requisition of platinum by the government.--M.
MAGNETOS \Then war broke out, says Engineering, 103 (191j), 84, there was only one British firm manufacturing magnetos, its output being under IOO per week. Practically every magneto which went on motor vehicles, motor boats and aircraft of Great Britain came from Germany or America. To-day there are twelve or more British firms making magnetos. Their entire output, which reaches a total of over 165,000 magnetos, has been made for war purposes, being used on aeroplanes, sea-planes, airships, motor-lorries, motor-ambulances, motor cycles, “tanks,” biggun tractors, motor boats, wireless sets, searchlight sets, lighting sets and other contrivances where magnetos are required.-M.
T H E J O C R S A L OF I S D C S T R I A L A S D E S G I S E E R I S G CHEMISTRY CHEMISTRY I N WARTIME1 By RICHARD B. P I L C H E R ~
Owing t o the conditions of modern warfare, chemists have been more than ever in request. To give ii full account of their work, if it were possible, would be imprudent, but it is well t o place on record a statement confined to wht.t it is permissible to relate, giving some indication of the importance of the profession of chemistry t o the nation in these times. The Government has secured the guidance of chemists and other men of science to assist in the investigrtion of suggestions and inventions, and to bring their knowledge and experience t o bear on measures and devices of offence and defence, while apart from those acting in a n advisory capacity, chemists have been called for service in the field as well as in the factory. In such times there is a demand for the solution of problems of an unusual character which can be entrusted only to men of the highest scientific training, with initiative and foresight. So much had we come t o rely on foreign sources of supply for many of our needs that means had t o be found for dealing promptly and efficiently with difficulties, some of nhich, unless overcome, threatened serious disaster. The chemists of the country have not been found wanting. The laboratories of our universities and colleges have become small factories for the preparation of drugs and medicaments, and many institutions have been trusted with the exar.iination of materials used in the manufacture of explosive:;. The measures taken in this emergency secured uniformity in inethod and the standardisation of processes which would otherwise have been difficult t o attain. Under the supervision of their professors, students unfit for service with the colours have been helping the country, and a t the same time gaining useful experience. Several hundred chemists have been engaged for assistance in the laboratories and in the works of Government and controlled establishments supplying armaments, munitions, and other materials of war. Many of these have found an opportunity of helping the country through the registers maintained by the Institute of Chemistry and other societies for this purpose. In cases where the number of men having technical. experience in some branches was limited, the authorities have made arrangements for probationary training, so that their services should be available when required in new factories. The staffs of the chemical departments of IVoolwich Arsenal and other Government. factories h a r e been considerably augmented, as also that of the Government Laboratory, which, as the recently published report shows, has been largely responsible for the examination of foodstuffs and many other requirements of the Expeditionary Forces. In previous wars the authorities have considered officers of the R. -4.M. C. sufficiently trained for all necessary military duties involving chemical knowledge, but in the present conflict, with an unprecedented demand for medical men, qualified chemists have volunteered in such numbers as t o gire practical force t o the suggestion t h a t they should be engaged for the purification and examination of water supplies and for dealing with matters of hygiene requiring chemical knowledge. As a result many have been appointed to commissions and engaged for scientific work, not. only with the R. A. PI. C., but also with the A . S. C. and .4. 0.D., and other units. Attached t o various forces a t home, with the armies on the Continent and in Africa, chemists have thus rendered valuable servicr. In consequence of methods of offence initiated by the enemy, such as the employment of poisonous gases, there arose a further demand for men with training in chemistry for service in the field. For the duties involved the authorities deemed i t expedient to enlist men with such training rather than entrust 1 Proceedings of the Zitslilule of Chemistry (1917). copied from the Chemical Trade Journal and Chemical Enpineer. 60 (Feb. 24. 191i). 163. 2 Registrar and Secretary of the Institute of Chemistry.
411
them to men without any scientific knowledge, and the unit thus formed is a fighting force. LVith the assistance of the universities and technical colleges and the various bodies interested in chemistry, an entirely new force was brought into existence. The officers were mainly selected from chemists who already held commissions, while sergeants and corporals with knowledge of chemistry were transferred from other units. That they did their .work well is shown by the despatches of Lord French and Sir Douglas Haig. From the experience gained in the campaign it is clearly advisable that the State should have control of such a n organization of professional chemists as to ensure a t any time their efficient service in the many requirements of the naval, military and air forces. In addition t o competent chemical advisers of undoubted standing, the following appear to be essential : Chemists to control the manufacture of munitions, explosivcs, metals, leather, rubber, oils, gases, food, drugs; chemists for the analysis of all such materials and for research; chemists, on active service, to assist in the control of water supplies, in the detection of poison in streams, in the analysis of water and food, in the disposal of sewage, and in other hygienic matters; chemists, both a t home and in active service, to assist in devising safeguards against enemy contrivances of a scientific nature, and methods of offence t o meet the same, as well as for the instruction of troops in such matters. I t has been called a “chemists’ war” and an “engineers’ war.” Many regard it largely as a conflict between the men of science of the countries engaged. Our chemists have not been dismayed a t that, but i t is impossible t o foresee t o what limits beyond accepted tenets the enemy is prepared t o go in the application of science t o warfare, and we cannot reproach ourselves with having set an example of frightfulness. To sum the matter up, chemists have met the situation with a spirit of true patriotism, and have been promptly organized for the service required of them. It is not too much t o hope that, as the discoveries of science have been.applied to the destruction of humanity, they may be devoted more and more to the furtherance of the arts of peace, to the uplifting of civilisation, and the pacification of the world. During the war, in spite of the shortage of labour, considerable additions have been made to the large manufacturing concerns throughout the country in the extension of factories, both for the production of things hitherto obtained from abroad and for the requirements of the war. One important lesson which on no account must be lost sight of is that the country must be self-supporting in all such requirements. The chemists engaged in connection with the production of materials of u-ar include a large number who were previously occupied in works which have passed under Government control. U o s t of these were members of the Institute or graduates in science, and many were teachers, who thus obtained an insight into operations on a manufacturing scale. If they return t o teaching, this experience will have broadened their views; but many will no doubt prefer t o remain in industry. Of those with the forces, probably the majority will return t o their former work. In any case, many good British chemists should be available for the furtherance of British industry. RESTRICTION ON MAGNESIA The British Minister of Munitions gives notice that, under the Defence of the Realms Act, he prohibits the use of magnesite and magnesite products for and in connection with ( I ) construction or repair of any building (other than furnaces) or any flooring or deck or, ( 2 ) the manufacture of any insulating or non-conducting material except under and in accordance with the terms of a permit granted by the Minister of Munitions.-l\l.
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T H E J O U R N A L OF I N D U S T R I A L A N D ENGIXEERING C H E M I S T R Y
ALUMINUM PRICES The selling price of aluminum ingots of ordinary commercial purity, 98 to 99 per cent, has been fixed in Great Britain by the Ministry of Munitions a t $1080 per ton, carriage paid t o consumers’ works. The maximum price of remelted aluminum scrap or swarf ingots of 98 t o 99 per cent purity has been fixed a t $1008 per ton, carriage paid to consumers’ works. This maximum price must not be exceeded but a lower one may be fixed by agreement between seller and buyer based upon the metallic aluminum content. These prices take effect from February I, and permits will be granted for such dealings in the abovementioned materials as are in accordance with the above prices which are subject to alteration a t any time by the Minister of Munitions .-M. NEW COMPANIES IN JAPAN According t o reports from H. &I. Commercial Attache a t Yokohama, the following are among the latest industrial developments in Japan: A company with capital 2,500,oooyen ($1,250,000),has just been formed a t Tokio for the purpose of refining zinc by electrolysis and for mining and smelting other metals. A glass factory is being erected a t Yokohama with a capital of $1,500,000and it is expected that operations will be started in March, and orders have already been placed with this company for large quantities of bottles. Another company with a capital of $500,000 proposes t o erect in the suburbs of Tokio a factory for the manufacture of plate glass. A mining concession for silica is said to have been obtained by the latter company in the Shizuoka Prefecture. With a view t o working an oilfield in the Yamagata district, a company with a capital of $1,500,000 has been formed, while another with a capital of $3,000,000 proposes to take over and work a number of oil concessions a t Kwiokawa, Akita Prefecture. As a result of the experiments made in the manufacture of soda ash in Nagoya, a joint stock company with a capital of $500,m0 has been formed t o manufacture this product and land has been acquired a t Na-
Vol. 9 , No. 4
goya harbor to erect factories. An electrochemical company with a capital of $~OO,OOO will build factories a t the river Arakawa for the manufacture of bleaching powder, etc.-M. BRITISH BOARD OF TRADE During the month January 15-February 15, the British Board of Trade received inquiries from firms in the United Kingdom and abroad regarding sources of supply for the following articles. Firms which may be able to supply information regarding these things are requested to communicate with the Director of the Commercial Intelligence Branch, Board of Trade, 73 Basinghall St., London, E. C. ADVERTISING NOVELTIES: Knives, cheap, to retail a t 1Oc. each Mirrors, small, covered with celluloid Pencils Beech boards for brushes (good quality) Bells, metal, toy Bottles, glass, straw-colored Bootlaces. leather and mohair Buckles, brace, brass Candles Cord-wire Cases, cast-iron, for electrical fuseboards and switch-gear CHEMICALS : Amorphous phosphorus Alphanaphthol Alphanaphthylamine Aniline oil Dimethylaniline Metaphenylenediamine Metatoluolenediamine Xaphthionate of Soda Xitrobenzene Orthotoluidine Saltpetre (refined, granulated) Sulfanilic acid Caustic Soda, 100 tons 95 per cent Epsom Salts, druggists’ quality Silicate of Soda Dextrinous substances (powder) Dyes, cheap, for ink making Egg-beaters, Dover pattern
Enamelled iron shades for electric lights Eyelets for boots Fezzes, felt Gum Arabic Gedda amber sorts Hose-pipes, 2a/4 and 3 in. Isinglass Latex cups
Making-glass flasks Conversion of starch into dextrine Making candles Stamping out leather, cloth and rubber washers Gelatine, shredding plant Electric baling presses Hydraulic baling presses Paste, t o give a polish t o rough twine Push-buttons Rosin, American, 1000 tons Studs, press, also two-piece Tanks, wagon, for distributing oil Wheels. chilled iron Wheels; tracing Wire, galvanized, 4 mm. thick Wire-nails, assorted 7/11 in. by 18 B.W.G.toSin.by.8B.W.G. Wood (ash) rims for sieves Zinc, sheet, suitable for lining packing cases
-M
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SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES PROGRAM O F PAPERS CALENDAR OF MEETINGS HEAVY CLAY WARES: THEIR MANUFACTURE AND TESTING American Chemical Society: Spring meeting, Kansas City, Mo., and Lawrence, Kan., April 10-14, 1917. Annual meetStudy of Effect of Variation of Pressure in the Forming of Dust Pressed Tiles. F. K. PENCE. ing, Boston, September 10-16, 1917. The Advantages of Clay Storage and a Description of a Successful American Electrochemical Society: Thirty-first General Meet- Installation. F. A. RIDDLE ing, Detroit, May 2-5, 1917. Fall meeting, Pittsburgh, Notes on the Manufacture of Promenade Tile. M. W. BLAIR. Notes on the Flow of Clay through Hollow-Ware Dies. G. D. MORRIS. October 4-5, 1917. Humidity: Its Control and Relation to Drying Clay Wares. W. A. American Institute of Mining Engineers: Annual meeting, DENMEAD. St. Louis, October 8-13, 1917, The Effect’:of the Size of Grog in Fire Clay Bodies. F. A. KIREAmericanIron and Steellnstitute: New York, May 25-26, 1917. PATRICK, The Relation between the Fusion Point and Composition of Refractory American Society for Testing Materials: Atlantic City, June A N D C. E. FULTON. Clays. R . J. MONTGOMERY 26-30, 1917.
NINETEENTH ANNUAL MEETING AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, NEW YORK CITY, MARCH 5 TO 8, 1917 The Nineteenth Annual Meeting of the American Ceramic Society was held March 5 to 8, 1917,a t New York City with headquarters a t the Astor Hotel. All the sessions were held at the Astor Hctel except the one of Tuesday afternoon, March 6, which took place a t the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts, and was followed by a tour of the Museum. The annual business session of the Society was held on Monday morning, March 5. and was followed by the Presidential Address by Mr. Lawrence E. Barringer, of the General Electric Company, Schenectady, N. Y. On Thursday, March 8, an excursion was made to Perth Amboy, N. J., and vicinity, to visit the Atlantic Terra Cotta Company, Didier-March Company, and the Fords Porcelain Works.
Volume Changes of Some Quartzites and Commercial Silica Bricks on Heating. D. W. Ross. Note on the Fine Grinding of Refractory Materials before Testing. R . J. MOXTGOMERY. Relation of Fusing Point of Ash to Availability of Coal for Burning Ceramic Wares. R. R. HrcE. An Attempted Heat Balance on a Continuous Kiln. C. B. HARROP. Making Paving Brick from Blast Furnace Slag. J , B. SHAW. The Principles of Construction of Bucket Elevators. G. D. MORRIS. Modification of Load Test on Fire Brick. J. B. SHAW. R A W MATERIALS, MIXERALS,
THEIR OCCURRENCE, R E F I N I N G
A N D TESTING
Notes on the Use of Sulfuric Acid in the Sedimentation of Kaolins. H. G. SCHURECHT. Notes on Kaolin Refining. I. E. SPROAT. American Clays for Floating Enamels. J. B. SHAW. The Relation of Salt to Clay in the Purification of Clays. H. G. SCHURBCHT. A Study of Some American Refractory Bond Clays. A. V. BLEININGER AND G. A. LOOMIS.
